2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 45)

Located on the Cap-Vert Peninsula on the Atlantic coast, Dakar is the largest city of Senegal, as well as its capital. It's a lively cosmopolitan city featuring everything from modern buildings and colonial architecture to legendary nightclubs and busy marketplaces. Those looking for some local shopping should head to Sandaga Market, the biggest market in the city; and for a cultural fix, IFAN Museum, one of Africa's oldest museums, showcasing masks, musical instruments and carvings from all over the country. SEE: Those who want to take see another side of Dakar should head to the Island of Goree-a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's just 30 minutes offshore from Dakar. Visitors will find an island with no set roads and no cars, and history buffs will be thrilled to dig deep into the island's connections to the Atlantic slave trade (a must is a visit to the House of Slaves). It's all framed by bougainvilleas and colonial brick buildings with wrought-iron balconies. SAVOR: The Village de Arts complex showcases Senegal's most promising and established photographers, painters, and sculptors. Visitors can see artists at work throughout the 52 workshops around the "village" and chat with them during their visits. SIGNATURE EVENT: Dak'Art Biennale, featuring paintings and sculptures, is a biennial festival that takes place throughout the month of May. STAY: The 13-room Astoria Hotel is located in the city-center and next to the harbor, and features an onsite restaurant as well as continental breakfasts on the terrace. There's also complimentary WiFi, and air-conditioned rooms and suites. CRUISE: Cruise lines such as Silversea, on its Expeditions brand, offer cruises that include Dakar in the itinerary. June to September parties have become popular on Zanzibar's northern beaches GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Kilimanjaro connecting through Amsterdam ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport and a Tanzanian visa. Shots against yellow fever and cholera are recommended, as are anti-malarial medicines CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling LOCAL FOODS: Coconut bean soup made from coconut milk and shredded coconut; ugali, often referred to as the national dish, is a stiff dough prepared with cornmeal, cassava flour, sorghum or millet served with a sauce made with fish, meat, cooked vegetables or beans; nyama choma is barbecued goat, fish, or chicken with barbecued bananas BEST BUYS: Fabrics such as Maasai tartans; woven blankets; wood carving such as jewelry boxes; African drums; ostrich eggs; and Tanzanite, a pale purple gem-stone BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: Full-moon December to April All newspapers are in French, as it's one of the official languages of the country. Most business is done in French GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Dakar from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; visa CURRENCY: CFA Franc LOCAL FOODS: Ceebu jen, a native take on rice and fish made of seasoned rice grilled or pan-fried fish stuffed with a garlic paste and vegetables; dahkar, a sweet tamarind; xoon, the crispy burned rice from the bottom of the pan; and bissap, a sour green sauce made from hibiscus leaves BEST BUYS: Paintings; ceramic pots; glass jewelry and hand-made skirts BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: INFORMATION PLEASE: africa.com/senegal Kilimanjaro The Kilimanjaro International Airport grants visitors to northern Tanzania access to two of the country's most important regions-Arusha and Kilimanjaro. The city of Arusha itself is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and the Arusha National Park on Mount Meru terrains. Additionally, this is the gateway to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Kilimanjaro National Park. SEE: No doubt, visitors will want to head to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to the world-famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, made up of three volcanic cones and Africa's highest mountain. The mountain rises from cultivated farmlands on the lower levels, to rainforests and alpine meadows, and then reaches the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi (the third cone is located on the mountain's western side). Of course, climbers will have the opportunity to see wildlife as they trek up the mountain, including leopards, monkeys and elephants. SAVOR: Those who have their eyes on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro can go for a 4-day climb on Mount Meru; it is said to be a good acclimatization for Mt. Kilimanjaro. SIGNATURE EVENT: Hard-core marathon runners can opt to take part in the Kilimanjaro Marathon, which takes place in February. STAY: Mt. Kilimanjaro View Lodge is an intimate traditional lodge located amongst the tropical rainforest on the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, above the town of Moshi. This authentic African lodge, which was renovated in 2015, features waterfalls, lots of greenery and wildlife, as well as breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi and Mount Meru, and the vast valley below. INFORMATION PLEASE: tanzaniatouristboard.com 45 TANZANIA FACTS FACTS SENEGAL Dakar http://www.africa.com/senegal http://www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide